Former Student Donates Books, Teddy Bears to NICU Families
| Dec. 27, 2016 | Spending the holiday season in the hospital can be difficult, which is why Erin Brewer was inspired to act.
Armed with a bag full of teddy bears and a box full of “Cuddle Bear” books, Brewer and her two sons, Evan, 4, and Owen, 1, visited the UAMS neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) on Tuesday to brighten the spirits of a few families.
Now a stay-at-home mom and independent consultant for Usborne Books & More, Brewer, of Little Rock, said she was motivated to donate because of friends who previously had children in the UAMS NICU. Also, Brewer and her husband, Michael, have close UAMS ties — she is a former radiology student and he graduated from the College of Pharmacy.
Brewer’s son, Evan, readies the bag of teddy bears for delivery to families at the UAMS NICU.
“I just hope this brings a little joy to these families during a difficult time,” she said.
Becky Sartini, clinic services manager of the NICU, said the entire NICU staff is thankful for continued support from the community.
“We are so appreciative of compassionate, caring individuals like Erin,” said Sartini. “Thoughtful gifts like these help remind our families they have tremendous support from kind-hearted families during the holiday season.”
The NICU at UAMS combines advanced technology with trained health care professionals to provide specialized treatment in a patient- and family-centered environment. The NICU also utilizes the ANGEL Eye program, an online system allowing family members to view babies through a secure website. The monitors also allow parents to meet with doctors and nurses face to face over video calls.
The NICU has 58 private rooms, encompassing the entire fifth floor of the UAMS Medical Center.